CHATTANOOGA (UTC/The Loop)—As Black History Month comes to an end, UTC’s Eta Phi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity makes last minute preparations to their step routine, which they have been practicing in anticipation for the 6th annual Black History Month Step Show will be February 27 at 6:00 p.m. in The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.

Members of Eta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha

The step show is held annually in the spirit of Black History Month. It is a family oriented show that traces back to the early 1950’s and is deeply rooted in traditions. Power 94 and Deep End Entertainment bring together fraternities and sororities such as Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and many more from around the country to compete in the no holds barred step show.

“The meaning of the step show is to show unity of the black Greek organization,” says Eta Phi chapter member, Ronald Sutton. “It shows the leadership of black Greeks serving the community to help lift mankind spirits by showing that African-Americans can come together in a positive way without violence.”

Fraternities and Sororities competing in the 6th annual Black History Month Step Show

UTC’S Eta Phi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is no stranger to the step show because they compete every year. Eta Phi chapter member, Junior, Bryson Simpson says this year’s step show will be even better than last year’s. “Our theme this year is “Graduation/Nerds. What we are trying to do this year is incorporate more steps,” says Simpson. The step show generally draws over 3000 people from all over who come to cheer on their favorite Greek organizations and step teams.

In addition to student performances, nationally known comedian, Lil Duval, will host the show. Also there will be celebrity performances at the show including: Young Dro, Skinny Playa, Tierra Mari, The OMG Girlz, and Pretty Ricky.

Simpson expects that this year celebrities will bring a bigger crowd than last year’s. “It is going to be a good show. I believe it will be comical and entertaining at the same time, so I hope everybody will come out and support the step show,” says Simpson.

General Admission tickets are $16 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Tickets may be purchased at Tisdale Fashions on Brainerd Rd. and the following Kanku’s convenience stores locations: Wilcox Blvd., Market St., and 4th Ave.

CHATTANOOGA (UTC/The Loop) — A lawsuit seeking a million dollars in damages alleges a former pledge of a UTC fraternity was left severely injured in an alleged hazing incident.

The suit filed in Hamilton County Circuit Court lists Jamaal Strickland as the plaintiff. The suit also names Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. which is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Chattanooga alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and its directors; the Lambda Iota chapter of the fraternity at UTC with eight fraternity members individually named as defendants.

The suit claims that Strickland suffered serious injury to his left leg during an alleged hazing incident on September 29, 2008. In the suit, Strickland says he was beaten, paddled and hit during that evening. Strickland says as a result he suffered a deep venous thrombosis or a blood clot inside a blood vessel resulting in medical expenses.

The suit filed by Nashville attorney John Whitfield, Jr asks for $500,000 in punitive damages and $500,000 in compensatory damages.